Skip to main content
Tesla unlock & welcome chimes

Tesla Unlock Sound: The Honest Answer

Short answer: Tesla plays LockChime.wav when you lock the car. There is no separate unlock file. Replace the stock lock beep with anything from a cinematic chime to the Vine Boom every download below is already in the right format; install takes under 60 seconds.

Most-downloaded this week

Top 12 Tesla lock sounds

The most-installed sounds from the library previewed, downloaded, and confirmed working on Model 3, Y, S, X, and Cybertruck. Tap any card to preview, then download as a Tesla-ready LockChime.wav.

Welcome chime picks

Melodic lock chimes

Clean enough for daily use, distinctive enough to make people ask what car you drive.

How it works

How the Tesla unlock chime works

Four things to know before you install so you get sound on the first try.

LockChime.wav plays on lock, not unlock

Tesla plays your custom LockChime.wav when you lock the car. There is no separate UnlockChime.wav — the factory confirmation tone still handles the unlock event.

One file, one trigger

The feature is called 'Lock Sound' in Toybox. It fires on the lock event only. If you want something to play when you approach the car, the factory unlock tone is what you hear.

Boombox must be set to USB

Your custom file only plays when Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound is set to USB. Leaving it on Default plays Tesla's built-in preset instead.

Volume is independent from media

Adjust the lock-chime volume in Toybox using the Boombox slider. It is completely separate from your media volume — set it once and it sticks.

Compatibility

Which Tesla models support a custom lock sound

Custom lock chimes work via Tesla's Boombox feature. The requirement is an external pedestrian-warning speaker, which shipped on these models.

ModelSupportedNotes
Model 3 (built Sept 2019 or later)✓ YesFirmware 2023.44+
Model Y (all model years)✓ YesFirmware 2023.44+
Model S (2021 refresh or later)✓ YesFirmware 2023.44+
Model X (2021 refresh or later)✓ YesFirmware 2023.44+
Cybertruck (all)✓ YesAll firmware versions
Model S / X (pre-2021)✗ NoExternal speaker not present

Install in 60 seconds

How to set a custom Tesla lock sound

Step 1

Download your lock sound

Pick any sound below — every download arrives as LockChime.wav at 44.1kHz 16-bit PCM WAV. WAV is the required format; the 44.1kHz/16-bit spec is recommended for clean playback.

Step 2

Create a Boombox folder on USB

Format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT. Create a folder named Boombox and place LockChime.wav inside it. Full path: Boombox/LockChime.wav.

Step 3

Plug into the front USB-C port

Insert the drive into your Tesla's front USB-C port. Wait two to three seconds so the car indexes the drive before opening Toybox.

Step 4

Switch to USB in Boombox settings

Open Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound and change the source from Default to USB. Lock the car to hear your new custom chime.

Need screenshots and the full in-car path? Open the full installation guide.

FAQ

Tesla unlock sound — common questions

Is there a separate Tesla unlock sound file?

No. There is no UnlockChime.wav feature in Tesla firmware. The official 2026.8 and 2026.14 release notes do not list separate unlock sounds. Your custom LockChime.wav plays when you lock the car; the factory tone handles unlock.

Why isn't my Tesla playing the custom lock sound?

Two things to check: (1) Boombox source must be set to USB in Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound. (2) Your USB drive must be formatted FAT32 or exFAT and the file must be at Boombox/LockChime.wav exactly. Lock the car from the app to test.

What firmware do I need for a custom Tesla lock sound?

Custom lock sounds have been available since Tesla's 2023 Holiday Update (software 2023.44) — virtually every Tesla on current software supports them. Model 3 (built Sept 2019+), Model Y (all years), Model S / X (2021 refresh+), and Cybertruck (all) are supported. If you don't see the Lock Sound option, update from Controls → Software.

What file format does LockChime.wav need to be?

Tesla requires a WAV file named exactly LockChime.wav. The 44.1kHz, 16-bit PCM spec and 1–5 second duration are recommended for clean playback — not an official Tesla requirement. Every download on TeslaLockSound already meets these specs.

Does changing the lock sound affect Tesla's horn?

No. The Boombox lock-sound chime is completely separate from the horn. Horn sounds are in a different Boombox menu. Your LockChime.wav only affects the lock chirp.

Is it free to download Tesla lock sounds from TeslaLockSound?

Yes. Every sound on TeslaLockSound is free — no account, no email gate, no paywall. Click any card to preview, then download as a Tesla-ready LockChime.wav.